Holy One, We feel it deep in our bones, this sadness and pain, the tears of the broken-hearted, the silent worries. We hear the cries for justice, the shouts of anger, the cries too deep for words. We wonder, how long? We question, why not? We mourn, not again! And we know, deep within, that you welcomed the… Read More
Ask the Matriarch:What to tell (and not tell) the Search Committee
A pastoral search is an exercise in mutual vulnerability as pastor-to-be and her potential new congregation get to know one another. How much will each reveal to the other about the difficult things as they discern God’s call? Dear Matriarchs: I am in the search process (PCUSA), and anticipating interviews. I know that search committees… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Romans 13
In the midst of the current immigration debacle in the United States, I have seen an uptick in quoting Romans 13:1-2: Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed,… Read More
Sunday Prayer: Beloved
Let me sing for the Beloved, and let the Beloved sing for me: songs of delight and satisfaction, of discovery and renewal, of harmony and hope. Let me hum for the Beloved, and let the Beloved hum for me: lullabies of comfort and patience, of possibility and peace, of justice and love. Let me chant… Read More
Friday Festival: Relationships Reconsidered
With honesty and tenderness, our bloggers are considering relationships this week – with God, with Jesus, with our stuff and with a lamented mother, who has just died. The hard work of stopping the rush of her life has Sally Coleman thinking about where God is inviting her to sing a new song. “I have… Read More
Friday Prayer: This Bouquet Called Life
O Holy One, I did not expect this mixed bag of feelings in my grief: joy, peace, bitterness, denial, hope, sadness, anger and dark humor swirl around me. Like a bunch of wildflowers, they each have a place in my understanding and coping. I hop between them like a bumblebee, afraid that, in my feelings,… Read More
RevGalBookPals: Bless This Mess
Do you need a book that gently and effectively melds progressive Christian theology with the (non-Pinterest) realities of parenting? Are you trying to locate your own parenting practice somewhere between books that advocate spanking and books that suggest wine pairings with your overnight oats? May I suggest Bless This Mess: A Modern Guide to Faith and… Read More
Thursday Prayer: Encouragement
We thank you, O God, for encouragement: for friends who strengthen our hearts by showing up to cheer us on, for friends who send gifs and thumbs up who wish us well. We thank you that this encouragement builds us up, makes us braver, makes us stronger, draws us on. We thank you and praise… Read More
Sunday Prayer: Distant Promises
They died in faith without having received God’s promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. (Hebrews 11:13) What do we ask of you, O God, but faithfulness in presence and mercy from devouring powers? What do you ask of us, O God, but integrity in discipleship and compassion in community? How have… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: Sure as the Sunrise
Every week, sure as the sunrise, Sunday rolls around and the sermon needs to be prepared. And it’s that time again. If you’re a Revised Common Lectionary preacher, the Tuesday RevGals post may provide some food for thought. Or maybe you’ve jumped off lectionary temporarily, or you’re doing a sermon series, or the Spirit has… Read More
